Bears' Cutler, Harris fined for abusive conduct

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) and wide receiver Devin Hester (23) leave the field after turning the ball over to the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
— AP

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) and wide receiver Devin Hester (23) leave the field after turning the ball over to the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
/ AP

CHICAGO 
A bad season for the Chicago Bears just got worse. The NFL said Friday that quarterback Jay Cutler had been fined $20,000 for abusive conduct toward a game official during a 41-21 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday.

Cutler drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty with 6:24 left in the third quarter after an incomplete pass to tight end Greg Olsen on a fourth-down play with the Bears trailing 34-7 at the time. Cutler apparently thought there should have been an interference penalty.

The fine came one day after Cutler threw five interceptions during a 10-6 loss at San Francisco. Cutler has thrown an NFL-worst 17 interceptions this season for the Bears (4-5), who have lost four of five.

The NFL also said defensive lineman Tommie Harris had been fined $7,500 for punching Cardinals offensive lineman Deuce Lutui on the fourth play from scrimmage. Harris was ejected and later apologized.

Player fines collected by the league have been used to support retired player programs, including the NFL Player Care Foundation and NFLPA Players Assistance Trust, disaster relief programs and and other charities.